Eleutheromania (Various Genshin x Reader)

Crystal Hunting -20-

"This search reminds me of a feud I once had with the Fatui," Diluc suddenly spoke up from beside you as the four of you entered the Thousand Winds Temple. Venti didn't come though, insisting he needed more practice on playing his lyre for Dvalin. You glanced over at him and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Pray tell." This you were practically interested in.

The redhead hummed before continuing on, "Six months ago, a thief stole treasure from the East Temple of the Four Winds." He explained calmly. Paimon's eyes widened. "Whoa. What was it? A cup used by Barbatos?" She asked curiously. Diluc shook his head. "No. Although if such a thing existed, it would be very valuable."

If Venti really was Barbatos, then there was plenty of those relics, specifically at his tavern.

The male placed a hand over his chin with a tiny grin. "Among all the relics they managed to dig up, one particular object was very rare... It was a vial which contained the Anemo God's breath." Your eyes widened. "There's really such a thing?" You questioned. How'd they manage that?

Paimon cringed, "Relics come in every shape and form huh..." She muttered. Diluc continued, still with his small smile. "Anyone with an eye for fine art would like to add this relic to their collection. Once word got out, the Fatui started trying to seek it out as well. They've made tons of counterfeits that can be found everywhere. In response, I just bought every one I could find, irrespective of its authenticity. We're still at it now. I've bought more than two thousand fakes to date, and the Fatui are yet to find the real one."

You, Paimon, Aether, and even Jean stared at Diluc in broke. That must've costed serious mora. Then again, Diluc was a wine seller in a town of drunkards. Like a kid in a candy store. And even then, as privileged as he sounded, you couldn't help but be impressed. Anything to make the Fatui's life a little bit harder.

"Heh. That's one way to go about it," you said, "but you're only giving scammers like the treasure hoarders a payday for their fake artifacts, you know." You informed the redhead. After all, the treasure hoarders were known to go to rather sad lows to gain a quick buck.

Diluc didn't seem to care though, only shrugging in reply. "Between the treasure hoarders and the Fatui, I'll take the lesser of the two evils," he announced. Your eyes widened for a split second before going back to look ahead to where mossy temple ruins lay.

The white haired pixie didn't seem as impressed. "Whoa. You guys are insane... So, it means that the real one must be out there somewhere on the black market, right?" She suddenly tapped her chin, a devious glint shining in her eyes, "Hmmm... Paimon'll give you a discount on them if she finds any — cause Paimon's just great like that!" The fairy bragged.

Unaware of the upcoming scam, Diluc simply shrugged. "Sure, you can try to find the real one. I'll take what you find, even if they're fake. Once you're done, find me at the winery. I'll trade you a beer for every 20 you find."

"A beer?" You questioned, looking back at the man. "She's pint-sized, she'd get drunk after a sip..." You mumbled. Paimon glared at you and puffed out her cheeks, stomping the ground despite floating in midair. "Paimon would not!" She argued hotly. Still, you'd rather not be accused of letting a child (or at least child looking humanoid) drink alcohol.

Before you could reply (or Paimon could go on a longer tangent), Jean paused in front of the group and drew her sword. "Careful. There's a ruin guard right ahead of us." She said calmly with narrowed eyes.

Immediately, you summoned your own sword, looking at the giant robotic beast with a wide eyed look. It certainly wasn't your first time fighting a ruin guard... but you didn't particularly like them... at all.

You turned towards you blonde companion. "Aether, I don't know if you've fought a ruin guard before but aim for their eye or the socket in their back. It's their weak spots," you instructed of the outlander. Aether nodded. "Got it. Let's go!" With that, he jumped off the elated ledge the group stood on to attack its front with Diluc and his giant sword following close before.